On reflection, moral judgment in the arts appears rather as a tribute to their power to influence emotion and possibly conduct. And reflecting further on what some critics do today, one sees that a good many have merely shifted the ground of their moralism, transferring their impulse of righteousness to politics and social issues.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Moral judgment in arts shows their power; some critics now shift moralism to politics.
- In plain terms
- Critics use art to judge emotion, but often move their judgment to politics.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize when moral judgment shifts from art to politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where does your moral judgment come from?
Another view
Art and politics often intersect morally.
More from Jacques Barzun
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Permalink to quote #37 Criticism will need an injection of humility - that is, a recognition of its role as ancillary to the arts, needed only occasionally in a temporary capacity. S…
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